Analysis
In Utah, economics programs span from $43,000 to over $64,000 in first-year earnings, and Westminster appears to land in the middle of that range. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates here might expect around $62,000 initially—well above the national median of $52,000 for economics bachelor's degrees. That places Westminster close to Utah's flagship programs, though these are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than Westminster's own reported outcomes.
The estimated debt load of $24,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months' salary. That's reasonable for a bachelor's degree, though it's worth noting that other Utah economics programs typically carry lower debt burdens (around $15,000 at the state median). The difference might reflect Westminster's private school tuition structure versus public alternatives like Utah State, which produces similar earnings with potentially less borrowing.
For an anxious parent, the core question is whether Westminster's economics program justifies choosing it over Utah's strong public options. The earnings potential looks competitive, and the debt isn't crushing. However, without actual data from Westminster itself, you're essentially betting that this program performs like the state average. If your child has strong admission offers from Utah or BYU—both with confirmed outcomes in the mid-$60,000s—those represent less uncertainty at potentially lower cost.
Where Westminster University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,416 | $61,902* | — | $24,102* | — | |
| $9,315 | $64,386* | $68,470 | $16,642* | 0.26 | |
| $6,496 | $63,332* | $81,529 | $11,000* | 0.17 | |
| $9,228 | $60,472* | $73,167 | $15,250* | 0.25 | |
| $6,770 | $43,266* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $51,722* | — | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Westminster University, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in UT. Actual outcomes may vary.